Ear Infection Remedy

Ear infections in children are physically painful for the child, and emotionally painful for the parent. If you've ever walked the floor with a screaming baby, you know the helpless feeling of not being able to do anything to ease your child's pain. There are, however, a few things you can do to help prevent ear infections from occurring.

Ear infections, or acute otitis media, results when there is a buildup of fluid in the middle ear, behind the eardrum. Fluid is retained because of a blocked eustachian tube, and then bacteria settle in. The acute pain is caused by pressure in the inner ear. Otitis often follows an upper respiratory infection. Antibiotics can sometimes speed recovery, but there are such a wide variety of bacteria that it may be difficult to find the right combatant.

Prevention of Ear Infections
It's far better to prevent the infection in the first place. The obvious antibacterial measures such as frequent hand washing, disinfecting toys, adequate rest and good nutrition are a good way to start, but there is more you can do. Letting your baby suck on a pacifier or drink from a bottle while lying on his or her back, for instance, can draw bacteria into the middle ear.

Studies have shown that xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol found in birch trees, fruits, berries and some vegetables, has an anti-bacterial effect. One such study, done in Finland in 1996, found that using xylitol chewing gum reduced ear infections by nearly 50 percent. For children who are too young for gum, brushing with granular xylitol can offer the same great benefit. Xylitol gum, mints, and granules are available at Xylipro.com.

Xylitol for Oral Health

Xylitol

Xylitol Fights Dry Mouth

Prevention of Ear Infections

Xylitol Gum and Mints

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